Xlapak

Xlapak (or Xlapac) is a small Maya archaeological site in the Yucatan Peninsula of southeastern Mexico [1]. It is located in the heart of the Puuc region, about 4 kilometres from the archaeological site of Labná and a similar distance from Sayil, lying directly between the two sites [1]. It consists of three main groups in a valley of the Puuc Hills in Yucatán State, a region of karst limestone forming the only major topographical feature of the peninsula [1]. The site dates from the Late to Terminal Classic periods and was sited in an area suitable for agriculture [1]. The site core is located in the flat valley bottom, while in the surrounding hills the remains of perishable structures have been found [1]. The main feature of Group 1 is the Palace, which consists of nine rooms with decorated facades [1]. The architecture is an example of the ostentatious style of the Classic or Fluorescent Puuc, in common with the nearby sites of Sayil, Labna, Kabah, and Uxmal [1]. The decorations at Xlapak are well preserved and include masks of the Yucatec Maya rain god Chaac [1].